With teamwork, nearly anything is possible. That’s something that is ingrained in Granite Staters, especially those in Southern New Hampshire.

That sentiment was on full display this week as our state’s congressional delegation announced more than $356,000 in grant funding that now is on its way to the Gate City.

Working together, U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassasn, along with U.S. Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, were able to secure $356,046 in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Low or No Emission Grant program to replace three of the oldest vehicles in the Nashua Transit System’s fleet.

Being replaced are two 2009 diesel vans and one 1999 gasoline-powered supervisor vehicle. Taking their place will be two new hybrid electric gasoline vans and one fully electric car and electric charging station. These new vehicles will reduce emissions from the city’s fixed route fleet while also increasing fuel efficiency.

“This grant is a win-win as it will deliver new vehicles to transport Nashua residents while reducing environmental impact and fuel costs,” said Shaheen, who advocated for the funding as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I’m proud to announce this funding and will continue to work across the aisle to advocate for investments in our aging transportation infrastructure and public transit systems in New Hampshire.”

Kuster added, “Climate change poses a serious threat to our environment and our economy in the Granite State, and public transportation can play an important role in reducing carbon emissions.”

Indeed, this does go a long way in not only helping city residents get around, but it also helps the environment and makes us better stewards of our city, state and nation.

Any and everything we can do to lessen our carbon footprint is a step in the right direction.

Once again, our congressional delegation has come through in a big way, and their efforts – past, present and future – are much appreciated.

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